HB69 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jack Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Municipalities, elections under Title 11, absentee ballots, voting machines, provisions regarding the voter, Secs. 11-46-32, 11-46-33, 11-46-55 am'd.
Summary: HB69 would clarify municipal election rules by aligning absentee-supply deadlines with state law, distinguishing voting machines from electronic vote counting systems, and establishing a clear process for deciding runoff ties.
What This Bill Does
It requires the mayor to procure and deliver absentee ballots and related supplies to the municipal clerk at least 21 days before an election. It clarifies that voting machines are distinct from electronic vote counting systems, so the rules for machines do not apply to electronic counting systems used in municipalities. It outlines duties for clerks when voting machines are used, including labeling, testing, sealing, and delivering machines to polling places. It also changes runoff tie rules so the municipal governing body has one week from runoff canvassing to decide the winner; if they fail to act, the tie is resolved by lot by 5:00 PM on the first Tuesday after the runoff.

Who It Affects
Mayors or other municipal chief executives – responsible for delivering absentee ballots and supplies to the clerk at the required lead time.
Municipal clerks and election officials – must manage absentee supplies, oversee machine preparation and sealing, and canvass and certify results under the updated rules.
Municipalities that use voting machines vs. those using electronic vote counting systems – the bill distinguishes between these systems, clarifying which requirements apply to each.
Voters and candidates in municipal elections (especially runoff elections) – runoff ties are to be resolved within a defined timeframe, either by the governing body or by lot if not resolved.

Key Provisions
11-46-32: The mayor or municipal CEO must procure and deliver to election officers the necessary election supplies, including absentee ballots, not less than 21 days before the election (with delivery to the municipal clerk).
11-46-33: When voting machines are used, the clerk must ensure ballot labels, wiring/diagrams, and all necessary supplies are prepared, machines are tested and sealed, and that machines are delivered to polling places at least one hour before opening; the term 'voting machines' does not apply to electronic vote counting systems.
11-46-55: The municipal governing body canvasses election results starting noon on the first Tuesday after the election; it declares winners if a majority is reached and outlines runoff procedures, including how runoff votes are counted and how ties are handled—ties may be decided by the governing body or, if unresolved, by lot with a specified deadline.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Municipalities